Sophia Greene has made it her mission to offer support to single mothers who are having a hard time meeting their obligations to their children. Knowing first-hand what it means to have good support, she is determined to be there for those she can.
Looking back on her own life as a single teenage mom with a supportive mother who was there for her all through her pregnancies and childbearing stage, she said there wasn’t anything that could prepare her for motherhood.
The inspiration behind the intiative to help single mothers started under her Ladies By the Well Organisation with H.E.A.L., Help Enrich Another Life, which focuses on helping communities in underserved areas.
Commenting on the initiative, Greene shared her thoughts with the Freedom Come Rain, “We are constantly thinking about our children and preparing for them in all areas, whether financially, safety, or [for their] wellbeing, which leaves very little time to put ourselves first. When we extend our hands to help the family, we allow the mother to exhale for a moment and smile, which results in a more loving home because for a moment there is some form of support.”
Highlighting some of the load mothers carry, she said it is a lot mentally, as they are constantly focusing on their children and there is so little time left for them to breathe and remember that they were humans before they were moms, and women before they became mothers.
Creating a supportive system that goes towards improving their wellbeing, is her way of taking some of the stress off their agenda for even a day. Adding a smile to their faces is all the inspiration Greene said she needs.
Her mission doesn’t come without its challenges, and the biggest one for her is never having enough to assist everyone.
“Sometimes we focus on a large family where there are a lot of children involved; another challenge is that we want to protect the rights of families, so we ask if they are okay with photos or sharing their story? If they are not comfortable, then that is fine, yet we do want to promote positivity because we are bombarded with so much sad news and negativity in this world that it’s important to showcase the love of God through normal working-class people,” she noted.
Another hurdle she said that cripples the mission is taking in the stuff through the wharf and the “crazy fees and charges” for something that’s being donated.
That doesn’t stop her, as she said she will continue the crusade to make a difference in the lives of mothers.
Born in Kingston and raised between the Spanish Town and Portmore areas in St. Catherine, she migrated over thirty years ago, but returns home every year, sometimes three to four times per year, to rest and take care of her home. She also spends time with family, do a bit of business, and help people that have a need and families with children, especially single moms. She also looks out for the elderly and the physically and mentally challenged.
“Touching those lives with hope brings joy to my heart,” she said.
While giving back to Jamaica will always be her primary focus, Greene revealed that her ultimate dream is to see the continuous extending of assistance from organisations all over the world flowing to people from the land of her birth.
“There are needs all around us, and we can’t wait on the government to do everything; we need to be about the change we dream of; we need to be about the love we envision and show it; if we all do our part in blessing someone, then we all will be a bit more comfortable; it’s our responsibility to take care of each other; sometimes it’s hard to decipher who needs from whom is just taking, yet we have to pray and ask God to send us t
he people he wants us to bless,” she stated.
Sharing what she is doing to play her part in making a difference, Greene said fellow Jamaicans can also do what “little bit” they can, as they don’t have to run an organisation to make a difference.
For her, simple things like paying for someone’s groceries, a water bill, offering their children a meal, or assisting with school fees even on a one-time basis are great ways to make an impact.
“The biggest blessing to me is to bless someone who is not as fortunate as myself. When we remove the clothes and the accolades, we are all one; naked we come and naked we leave, so while we need to be covered, let’s cover each other,” she urged.
